'Southland' Renewed at TNT

After solid ratings for the recent original episodes of Southland on TNT, the critically praised cop drama has been renewed for a third season. The 10-episode Season 3 is slated to begin airing in January. TNT picked up Southland after NBC dropped the dark drama before airing its second season. “Southland is a challenging, visceral show that engages viewers with its immersive style, provocative storylines and complex characters,” said Michael Wright, EVP and head of programming, for TNT, TBS and TCM.

TNT has been rapidly expanding its scripted slate over the past few months. In January, the network picked up to series all three of its pilots: the Steven Spielberg-produced alien-invasion drama starring Noah Wyle; the George Clooney-produced Delta Blues, starring Jason Lee; and Rizzoli & Isles, starring Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander. That came on the heels of TNT renewing its freshman dramas Men of a Certain Age, Dark Blue and Hawthorne.

Created by Ann Biderman, Southland focuses on officers, detectives and members of a gang unit in Los Angeles. The series ensemble cast includes Kevin Alejandro, Arija Bareikis, Clifton Collins Jr, Michael Cudlitz, Shawn Hatosy, Regina King, Michael McGrady, Ben McKenzie and Tom Everett Scott. Since the pickup came down pretty quickly, the options for the actors have not been picked up yet, so the cast is in the process of being secured for next season. John Wells, Biderman and Christopher Chulack executive produce for Warner Bros. TV.